StandardAero Renews Long-Term MRO Agreement with Nok Air for CFM56-7B Engine Support
StandardAero, a leading independent provider of aerospace engine aftermarket services, has reaffirmed its enduring partnership with Thailand’s Nok Airlines Public Company Limited (commonly known as Nok Air) through a renewed contract to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for the airline’s fleet of CFM International CFM56-7B turbofan engines. These engines power Nok Air’s Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which serve domestic and international routes across Thailand, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and South Asia.
The renewed agreement marks a continuation of the trusted relationship between the two companies, reinforcing StandardAero’s reputation as a reliable partner in aviation engine support. Under the new arrangement, StandardAero has already inducted two CFM56-7B engines from Nok Air at its MRO facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. This site has been a central hub for CFM56-7B engine servicing since 2010 and continues to support a global base of operators.
Nok Air, instantly recognizable for its fleet’s signature yellow-beaked aircraft design, currently operates 14 Boeing 737-800 narrowbody jets. These aircraft form the backbone of its operations, flying both domestic and short-haul international routes. The airline, known for blending affordability with superior service, remains one of Thailand’s top low-cost carriers.
Mario Romano, Airline Sales Director for StandardAero’s Airlines & Fleets business unit, expressed enthusiasm about the renewed partnership. “StandardAero is delighted to renew our collaboration with Nok Air by providing reliable and cost-effective CFM56-7B engine support,” Romano stated. “We previously supported Nok Air’s Dash 8-400 turboprop operations by servicing their Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150A engines for many years. It’s incredibly rewarding to now extend our support to Nok Air’s 737 fleet on the CFM56-7B platform. Our focus on delivering the highest service quality ensures Nok Air will keep ‘smiling across Asia’ for many more years.”
This renewed engagement reflects StandardAero’s growing prominence in the narrowbody engine MRO space. In addition to its well-established Winnipeg facility, the company has also expanded its CFM56-7B capabilities to its location at Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport in Texas, USA. This expansion adds a second CFM56-7B engine line to the company’s offerings, enabling StandardAero to meet rising global demand while providing operators with both geographic flexibility and test cell redundancy for added reliability.
StandardAero’s CFM56-7B services are part of a broader suite of engine lifecycle solutions. In addition to full MRO, the company also supports CFM56 operators with:
- Component Repair and Overhaul: Through its Component Repair Services (CRS) division, StandardAero delivers high-quality repairs and overhauls for engine parts and accessories.
- Asset Management and USM Support: Via PTS Aviation, a wholly owned subsidiary, StandardAero provides engine, module, and used serviceable material (USM) solutions that enhance cost efficiency and reduce turnaround times for airline customers.
- Engine Health Monitoring (EHM): Leveraging advanced data analytics, StandardAero supports airlines with EHM services that allow proactive engine maintenance planning, increased fleet uptime, and long-term cost savings.
The CFM56-7B engine, developed by CFM International—a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines—is one of the most widely used engines in the world for single-aisle commercial aircraft. Since its introduction, the engine has become the benchmark for performance, reliability, and cost of ownership in the narrowbody sector. The CFM56 family, along with its successor, the LEAP engine, powers more than 600 operators globally, underscoring its widespread acceptance and proven in-service success.
Nok Air continues to invest in the reliability and efficiency of its fleet as it pursues a strategy focused on growth, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction. As a premium budget airline, Nok Air blends low-cost travel with enhanced passenger experience, offering a broad network of destinations, convenient schedules, and signature Thai hospitality. The airline’s presence is particularly strong in Thailand’s domestic market, with additional reach into international markets such as China and India. Nok Air’s selection of StandardAero for engine MRO support aligns with its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, reliability, and on-time performance.
This partnership also reflects the broader dynamics of the post-pandemic aviation recovery. Airlines in Asia and globally are ramping up flight frequencies and reactivating aircraft to meet the resurgent demand for both domestic and regional air travel. Ensuring the availability of dependable and cost-efficient MRO support is a critical enabler of this growth. By aligning with a proven MRO partner like StandardAero, Nok Air ensures the continued performance and reliability of its fleet while optimizing lifecycle costs.
For StandardAero, the renewed agreement with Nok Air represents not only a continuation of a valued relationship but also an example of its ability to support a wide range of operators across different engine platforms and geographies. Whether for legacy turboprops or modern narrowbody jets, StandardAero has consistently demonstrated its technical expertise, customer-centric approach, and adaptability to evolving industry needs.
With nearly a century of experience, StandardAero has grown into one of the largest independent MRO providers in the world. The company supports a full spectrum of aircraft platforms—fixed-wing and rotary-wing, commercial and defense, regional and business aviation. Now publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol SARO, StandardAero continues to expand its capabilities, invest in new technologies, and build strategic partnerships that deliver value across the aerospace ecosystem.
As Nok Air’s 737-800 aircraft continue to crisscross the skies of Asia, the engines powering those journeys will benefit from StandardAero’s deep technical expertise and commitment to quality. For passengers flying Nok Air, that means a safer, more reliable journey—accompanied by the airline’s hallmark smile. For more information on StandardAero’s engine MRO services and capabilities, visit www.standardaero.com.
